Real Church: Does It Exist? by Larry Crabb

Do you think that church is what it used to be? How it felt for you in the past? What happened with that?

Those are some of the questions that are found in “Real Church: Does It Exist? Can I find it?” by Larry Crabb.

When first reading this book, it had a kind of skeptical feeling because it was a sore subject due to being burnt by the church in the past. So it wasn’t something I was really sure about. The points he made seemed sort of iffy. But after plugging along in the book, it was made clear that some of Larry Crabb’s points were agreeable. And then there are a lot of open-ended questions right along with it.

Surely everyone has been burned by church in some way and has learned quite a bit from it. And some may never find the actual church that they think is the best for them. But it’s more of a learning and growing process. Some parts seemed shakey in the first part of the book, but as he kept going gradually it made sense. A lot of sense. He makes great points about how church isn’t supposed to be just a meeting of the bored. He puts focus back on being passionately in love with God, together with other people as a community. And how we should be coming together for the right reasons, about God, and not just to pay our dues one day a week.

Crabb gives a really good spin on the whole issue of church or lack thereof and it was edifying and really enjoyable overall. If you are looking for some answers, and deep questions, on the real church I’d suggest buying this book. It’s pretty spot on. Check it out at your local library or bookstore!